Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau is wasting little time trying to get part of his Chicago Bulls band back together.
According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, the Timberpups plan on using the No. 5 pick in June 23’s draft to assemble a package for Jimmy Butler:
The Minnesota Timberwolves are prepared to part with the No. 5 overall pick in this month’s draft, as the centerpiece of a trade package, if they can use it to construct a deal for Chicago Bulls star swingman Jimmy Butler, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves, in these early days of the Tom Thibodeau era, have made it known to the Bulls that they are strongly interested in dealing for Butler should Chicago elect to make him available.
The Bulls are not believed to be actively looking to move their All-Star swingman ?but have been listening to pitches for Butler, sources said. Butler initially rose to prominence as a two-way force playing for Thibodeau, the Wolves’ new coach and president.
Sources say that the Bulls naturally would demand a significant amount in return to part with Butler, which likely translates to at least one front-line player in addition to a top lottery pick this month.
Stein also notes that the Boston Celtics remain in play for Butler’s services, and that the No. 5 pick alone won’t be enough to convince the Bulls to part with Butler.
It will be interesting to see who else the Timberwolves plan on including in any deal. Do they attach Zach Lavine to the fifth overall pick? Might they make Ricky Rubio available? Would Butler cost any future firsts?
Still just 26 years old Butler will command a crap ton on the trading block. He is one year into a five-season deal that will look like a bargain under the NBA’s new salary cap, and he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the game. Chicago has no incentive for selling low.
The Timberwolves, conversely, have no business mortgaging too much of their future for a chance to employ Butler. They are still rebuilding and needn’t forfeit picks and prospects like a championship team.
Then again, a potential core of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Butler could compel them to do some weird things.
